With record temperatures across the nation, keeping your cool in the heat can be tough.  Living in a beautiful place like Northern Virginia/South Carolina, it is even tougher staying indoors when the sun is shining.  But, you don't have to stay inside to keep cool. 

• Drink plenty of fluids.  Keeping hydrated is the most important way to beat the Northern Virginia/South Carolina heat.  Not all fluids are created equal, though.  Alcoholic beverages (even beer) tend to dehydrate you, which defeats the purpose of drinking liquid to begin with.  A better alternative would be sports drinks, iced tea or good old fashioned water.  If you wait until you're thirsty to drink, however, your body is already dehydrated.  So replenish your fluids all day long.
• Keep your clothing light and airy.  Natural fibers breath better than synthetic ones.  Stick with cotton fabrics that will help wick moisture away from your body.  Also, choose brighter colors (whites, pastels, etc) to reflect the sun.  Darker colors absorb the light (and heat).
• Take a cold shower or bath.  Lower the temperature of your morning shower or soak in a cold bath if you get really overheated.  This will help lower your body's temperature quickly.
• Acclimate for exercise.  This just means to take it easy on your regular exercise routine when the weather begins to heat up.  Your body needs time to get used to the hotter temperatures.  Even seasoned athletes can get injured by overdoing it.
• Check in on elderly relatives and neighbors.  As we age, our bodies can't regulate temperature as well as when we are younger.  Some prescription medications can make it even harder.  That's when daily water intake should be increased. 

During the hottest part of the day, you should remain inside the cool comfort of your air conditioned Northern Virginia/South Carolina home.  If you don't have air conditioning, go to the movies, shop at the malls or visit a local museum to bask in the coolness of their air conditioned space.  Keeping your cool in the Northern Virginia/South Carolina heat isn't an impossible task.  Just follow the tips above and you'll be able to enjoy the great outdoors without sweating your tushy off.

Gene Mock, your Northern Virginia, South Carolina and Washington DC real estate specialist